PORKER!!!!!!!

I am proud to say that my little chunk weighs 15.2 pounds. I have my hands full so this will have to be a short post. More later.

Cheeks, Joan, and Wild Animals

AJ had his 2 month check up last week and he weighed 13 lbs, 12 oz. He's in the 91st percentile. I love my chunky, cheeky baby!


My dear friend Joan came to visit us from California. She grew up in LA so it's safe to say she's literally never been so cold in her life. I learned a little more about California living as she learned about midwest living. Did you know that there are no Super Walmarts in Orange County!!? She was shocked that you could get everything at Wally, including electronics, groceries, oil change, prescriptions, craft supplies, etc. I realized that she must have to go to several different stores for a regular shopping trip...then again, as Joan pointed out, they aren't cold there like we are.


Anyway, the boys loved her and I think they grew on her a little too. She wrapped up Vince like a burrito at Veggie Tale time and he watched a whole Veggie Tale video wrapped up like that! It was such a joy to have her stay with us. I can't wait to take the boys to Cali and let her show them the ocean for the first time.


On the way to drop Joan at the airport we stopped in Chester, IL, the home of Popeye. Then we went to visit the Arch in St Louis. Vince loved looking at the animals in the Arch's Museum. We weren't able to get to the top because Vince was struggling through his regular naptime and I didn't want him to have a breakdown on the Tram. Hopefully next time we can get Joan to the top to see the amazing view.

Vince vs Anthony

I'm glad AJ has hair and blue eyes, because otherwise we could easily mix up their baby photos.

Anthony

Vincent

Playing with trucks and blocks

Vince and mommy's cousin Bobby Lutton had lots of fun playing with blocks and trucks at Aunt Sandy's house. I'll post the blocks video later.

trucks:

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity, Jig

The Ripley Brothers went on tour this month. The Central Illinois tour took us to such places as Bloomington/Normal, Sunnyland, East Peoria, Peoria and Washburn. We squeezed as many people into our trip as possible and had a great time visiting. Vince and AJ did wonderful. By the end of the trip, Vince was quite comfortable walking into new places. He got friendly with people quicker and quicker and even jumped on a few laps unexpectedly. It's nice to be back in our own space, but Bloomington still feels like home. Here are some pics from the trip.


Visiting the Curtises

Visiting Great Gramma and Grampa Pamson

Me and Aaron...so squeezable!

Danny, Monica and our boys

Gramma Billie and Anthony

AJ, Vince and Aaron

Vince and his Grampa Lutton playing blocks and cars

AJ meets Grampa Lutton

Vince playing outside at Abuelita's house.

Abuelita meets AJ

Dan's mom decorates the St. Francis Chapel so beautifully. I never realized before how much Vince looks like Abuelita!